AC-DC power converter

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an AC-DC power converter can include: (i) a rectifier bridge and filter to convert an external AC voltage to a DC input voltage; (ii) a first energy storage element to store energy from the DC input voltage via a first current through a first conductive path when in a first operation mode; (iii) a second energy storage element configured to store energy from a second DC voltage via a second current through a second conductive path when in the first operation mode; (iv) a transistor configured to share the first and second conductive paths; (v) the first energy storage element releasing energy to a third energy storage element and a load through a third conductive path when in a second operation mode; and (vi) the second energy storage element releasing energy to the load through a fourth conductive path during the second operation mode.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of the following application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/093,594, filed on Dec. 2, 2013, and which is hereby incorporated by reference as if it is set forth in full in this specification, and which also claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201210538817.5, filed on Dec. 11, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electronics, and more particularly to an AC-DC power converter.

BACKGROUND

An AC-DC power converter is used to convert an AC voltage into a constant DC electrical signal, such as a DC voltage or DC current. Because of the relatively high power of AC-DC power converters, they are widely used to drive high power loads (e.g., motors, light-emitting diode [LED] lights, etc.). An AC-DC power converter can include a rectifier bridge to convert the external AC voltage into a sine half-wave DC input voltage for the conversion circuit. To reduce AC grid harmonic pollution, an AC-DC power converter may utilize a power factor correction (PFC) circuit through which a relative high power factor can be obtained.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an AC-DC power converter can include: (i) a rectifier bridge and filter configured to convert an external AC voltage to a sine half-wave DC input voltage; (ii) a first energy storage element configured to store energy from the sine half-wave DC input voltage via a first current through a first conductive path when in a first operation mode, where the first current rises during the first operation mode; (iii) a second energy storage element configured to store energy from a second DC voltage via a second current through a second conductive path when in the first operation mode, where the second current rises during the first operation mode; (iv) a transistor configured to share the first and second conductive paths; (v) the first energy storage element being configured to release energy to a third energy storage element and a load through a third conductive path when in a second operation mode, where the second DC voltage is configured to be generated on the third energy storage element, and where the first current declines during the second operation mode; and (vi) the second energy storage element being configured to release energy to the load through a fourth conductive path during the second operation mode, where a peak value of the first current is configured to vary along with the sine half-wave DC input voltage, and an output of the AC-DC converter is configured to be substantially constant.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide several advantages over conventional approaches, as may become readily apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example single-stage AC-DC power converter.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example two-stage AC-DC power converter.

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram of a first example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 3A in a first operation mode.

FIG. 3C shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 3A in a second operation mode.

FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram of a second example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 4A in the first operation mode.

FIG. 4C shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 4A in the second operation mode.

FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram of a third example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 5A in the first operation mode.

FIG. 5C shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 5A in the second operation mode.

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of a fourth example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 6A in the first operation mode.

FIG. 6C shows a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 6A in the second operation mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference may now be made in detail to particular embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention may be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it may be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, processes, components, structures, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is an example single-stage AC-DC power converter. In this particular example, the single-stage AC-DC power converter can include single-stage power factor correction (PFC) main circuit 10 and single-stage PFC control circuit 20. For example, the single-stage PFC main circuit may be a flyback topology, and the single-stage PFC control circuit can include current closed loop control circuit 21, current control circuit 22, flip-flop circuit 23, the isolation circuit, and multiplier U5.

Current closed loop control circuit 21 may sample the output current of the single-stage PFC main circuit. After flowing through the isolation circuit, the output signal of circuit 21 can be provided along with the input voltage to multiplier U5. Multiplier U5 can generate a signal that acts as a reference signal for the in-phase input terminal of current control circuit 22. The inverted input terminal of circuit 22 can sample the input current, and the output of current control circuit 22 can be provided to zero trigger circuit 23. Zero trigger circuit 23 can include voltage comparator U3 and RS flip-flop U4.

An output of current control circuit 22 and an output of voltage comparator U3 can be coupled to reset R and set S of the RS flip-flop, respectively. The output of RS flip-flop U4 can essentially make the input current vary along with the variation of the input voltage by controlling the state of switch S. In this way, the power factor of the single-stage PFC circuit may be improved relative to other approaches. However, when the output current has relatively large ripples (e.g., due to a transient load), the error of the output current may also be relatively large. Therefore, the input current may have relatively large errors, and may not accurately vary along with the input voltage variation, thus reducing the power factor.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a schematic block diagram of an example two-stage AC-DC power converter. In this particular example, the AC-DC power converter can include two-stage power stage circuits 203 and 205, as well as a first-stage control circuit 204 and a second stage control circuit 206. The first stage power stage circuit 203 can receive the sine half-wave DC input voltage (e.g., V_(in)). First stage control circuit 204 can control first stage power-stage circuit 203 to make the wave of the input current vary along with the variation of the sine half-wave DC input voltage, so as to realize power factor correction. Second stage power stage circuit 205, which may be cascaded to the first stage power stage circuit, can receive output voltage V_(out1) of the first stage power stage circuit 203. According to driving voltages required by light-emitting diode (LED) light 207, second stage control circuit 206 can control second stage power stage circuit 205 to provide substantially constant output current and output voltage.

The example AC-DC power converter of FIG. 2 may have relatively good operational effects on harmonic waves, and can achieve a relatively high power factor. This example power converter has an independent PFC stage, through which pre-adjustment can occur for the DC voltage provided to be DC-DC stage. Thus, the output voltage may be relatively accurate, and this approach may be particularly suitable for high power applications with good on-load capacity. However, at least two sets of control circuits and power transistors are utilized in this approach, thus increasing product costs. Further, the power density may be relatively low, and the power consumption may be relatively large. Thus, this converter structure may not be particularly suitable for small or middle sized power electronic equipment.

In one embodiment, an AC-DC power converter can include: (i) a rectifier bridge and filter configured to convert an external AC voltage to a sine half-wave DC input voltage; (ii) a first energy storage element configured to store energy from the sine half-wave DC input voltage via a first current through a first conductive path when in a first operation mode, where the first current rises during the first operation mode; (iii) a second energy storage element configured to store energy from a second DC voltage via a second current through a second conductive path when in the first operation mode, where the second current rises during the first operation mode; (iv) a transistor configured to share the first and second conductive paths; (v) the first energy storage element being configured to release energy to a third energy storage element and a load through a third conductive path when in a second operation mode, where the second DC voltage is configured to be generated on the third energy storage element, and where the first current declines during the second operation mode; and (vi) the second energy storage element being configured to release energy to the load through a fourth conductive path during the second operation mode, where a peak value of the first current is configured to vary along with the sine half-wave DC input voltage, and an output of the AC-DC converter is configured to be substantially constant.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, shown is a schematic block diagram of a first example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this example, after being rectified and filtered by rectifier bridge BR and filter capacitor C₁, the external AC voltage can be converted into sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in). The AC-DC power converter can also include a first energy storage element (e.g., inductor L₁), a second energy storage element (e.g., transformer T₁ including primary side windings L_(p) and secondary side windings L_(s)), and a third energy storage element (e.g., capacitor C₂). In addition, the AC-DC power converter can include control and driving circuit 301, which can control a switching state (e.g., on or off) of transistor Q.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 3A in a first operation mode. When in the first operation mode, control and driving circuit 301 can control transistor Q to turn on, and inductor L₁, diode D₁, and switch Q can form a first conductive path (denoted by an encircled “1”). The sine half-wave DC input voltage can store energy in inductor L₁ by the first conductive path, and current I₁ flowing through inductor L₁ can rise (e.g., continuously) as part of the first conductive path.

Also during the first operation mode, capacitor C₂, primary side windings L_(p) of transformer T₁, and transistor or switch Q can form a second conductive path (denoted by an encircled “2”). In the second conductive path, DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₂ can release energy to primary side windings L_(p). Transformer T₁ can store energy, and current I₂ of secondary side windings L_(p) can rise (e.g., continuously) as part of the second conductive path.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 3A in a second operation mode. When in the second operation mode, control and driving circuit 301 can turn off transistor Q, and inductor L₁, diode D₁, primary side windings L_(p) of transformer T₁, and capacitor C₂ can form a third conductive path (denoted by an encircled “3”). Inductor L₁ can release energy, and current I₁ can decline (e.g., continuously) as part of the third conductive path. For example, a switching cycle of the AC-DC power converter can include the first and second operation modes.

A portion of the energy released by inductor L₁ can be transferred to the load by transformer T₁, and a remaining portion of the energy released by inductor L₁ can be used to charge capacitor C₂. DC voltage V_(bus) can be generated across the two terminals of capacitor C₂. Secondary side windings L_(s) of transformer T₁, diode D₂, and capacitor C₃ can form a fourth conductive path (denoted by an encircled “4”). The energy stored in transformer T₁ can be transferred to the load through the fourth conductive path.

For example, diode D₁ may be used to prevent current of the third conductive path from flowing back to the input terminal in the second operation mode. In addition, control and driving circuit 301 can receive peak current signals I_(pk2) and I_(pk2) of the first current I₁ (flowing through inductor L₁) and the second current I₂ (of secondary side windings L_(p)). Control and driving circuit 301 can also control time t_(off1) and t_(off2). For example, t_(off1) is the time it takes for the current of inductor L₁ to drop to zero from its peak value, and t_(off2) is the time it takes for the current of magnetizing inductance of transformer T₁ to drop to zero from its peak value. By controlling t_(off1) and t_(off2), circuit 301 can generate a driving signal to control the switching action of transistor Q, so as to realize power factor correction and a substantially constant output current. For example, peak current signal I_(pk1) and I_(pk2) can be obtained by sampling the first current I₁ and the second current I₂ by any suitable peak value sampling circuitry.

In addition, the first and third conductive paths in this example can form a boost power stage circuit. The boost power stage circuit can receive sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in), and may generate a substantially constant DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₂. When a value of capacitor C₂ is relatively large, the fluctuation of voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₂ can be relatively small. Also, the second and fourth conductive paths can form a flyback power stage circuit. The flyback power stage circuit can receive V_(bus), and may generate a substantially constant output voltage V_(o) by the fourth conductive path, and a substantially constant output current I_(o) to drive the load (e.g., an LED load).

In the example of FIGS. 3A-3C, the first conductive path of the boost power stage circuit and the second conductive path of the flyback power stage circuit may share transistor Q and control and driving circuit 301. Thus, transistor Q and control and driving circuit 301 can be utilized in both boost and flyback power stage topologies. As such, the structure of this example AC-DC power converter may represent a simplified control structure, as compared to other approaches.

The following will describe power factor correction realization and substantially constant output signals, as well as the conductive paths under different operation modes, for this example AC-DC power converter. According to operating principles of a flyback power stage circuit, when the excitation inductance current of in the transformer works at a boundary conduction mode (BCM) and the time at which the current of inductor L₁ drops to zero is earlier than the time at which the excitation inductance current in transformer drops to zero, the output current can be calculated by the following formula (1).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{o} = {{I_{{pk}\; 1} \times \frac{n}{2} \times \frac{T_{{off}\; 1}}{T_{S}}} + {I_{{pk}\; 2} \times \frac{n}{2} \times \frac{T_{{off}\; 2}}{T_{S}}}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

For example, I_(pk1) may denote the peak value of the first current of inductor L₁, and I_(pk2) may denote the peak value of the second current of the secondary side windings of transformer T₁. Also, n may denote a ratio of the windings between primary side windings L_(p) and secondary side windings L_(s) of transformer T₁. Further, t_(off1) can denote the time it takes for the current of inductor L₁ to drop to zero from its peak value, and t_(off2) can denote the time it takes for the current of excitation inductance of the transformer to drop to zero from its peak value. Also, t_(S) may denote a switching period (e.g., the sum of t_(on) and t_(off2)).

For example, peak value I_(pk1) of the first current can be obtained by the following formula (1.1).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{{pk}\; 1} = {\frac{V_{in}}{L_{1}} \times t_{on}}} & (1.1) \end{matrix}$

Here, V_(in) may denote a sine half-wave DC input voltage, L₁ can denote an inductance value of inductor L₁, and t_(on) can denote a conduction time of transistor Q. Peak value I_(pk2) of the second current can be obtained by the following formula (1.2).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{{pk}\; 2} = {\frac{V_{bus}}{L_{2}} \times t_{on}}} & (1.2) \end{matrix}$

Here, V_(bus) can denote the DC voltage across capacitor C₂, and L₂ can denote the inductance value of inductor L₂ (see, e.g., FIG. 4A). In addition, time t_(off1) for the current of inductor L₁ to drop to zero from its peak value can be obtained by the formula (1.3).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{{off}\; 1} = {\frac{V_{in}}{V_{bus} + {nV}_{o} - V_{in}} \times t_{on}}} & (1.3) \end{matrix}$

For example, V_(o) is the output voltage of the AC-DC power converter, such as provided at the load. Time t_(off2) may be the time it takes for the current of magnetic inductance to drop to zero from its peak value, and its value can be obtained by the formula (1.4).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{{off}\; 2} = {\frac{V_{bus}}{{nV}_{o}} \times t_{on}}} & (1.4) \end{matrix}$

Switching period t_(S) can be indicated as below in formula (1.5).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{S} = {{t_{on} + t_{{off}\; 2}} = {\frac{V_{bus} + {nV}_{o}}{{nV}_{o}} \times t_{on}}}} & (1.5) \end{matrix}$

Rearranging formulas of I_(pk1), I_(pk2), t_(off1), t_(off2) and t_(S) into formula (1) of I_(o) can provide formula (2).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{o} = {\frac{n}{2\left( {{n\; V_{o}} + V_{bus}} \right)} \times t_{on} \times \left\lbrack {\frac{v_{in}^{2} \times n\; V_{o}}{\left( {V_{bus} + {n\; V_{o}} - V_{in}} \right) \times L_{1}} + \frac{V_{bus}^{2}}{L_{2}}} \right\rbrack}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

From formula (2), other than sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in), all the other voltages in the formula may be substantially constant values. Thus, in order to make I_(o) constant, conduction time t_(on) of the transistor may be controlled to make the product of the conduction time t_(on) and the first polynomial of formula (2) a constant value. Conduction time t_(on) can be controlled by the control and driving circuit. In this example, control and driving circuit 301 can adjust conduction time t_(on) to control the output current I_(o) to be substantially constant according to peak value I_(pk1) of the first current, peak value I_(pk2) of the second current, time t_(off1) for the current of inductor L₁ to drop to zero from its peak value, and time t_(off2) for the current of primary side windings to drop to zero from its peak value.

Control and driving circuit 301 can be implemented using any suitable circuitry. As can be seen from the above control solutions, the control and driving circuit can sample the primary side signal and calculate the output current according to the sampled primary side signal. In this fashion, substantially constant output current control can be realized by way of primary side control. According to operating principles of the boost power stage circuit, input current I_(in) (the first current of inductor L₁) can be calculated by formula (3).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{1} = {\frac{I_{{pk}\; 1}}{2} \times \frac{t_{on} + t_{{off}\; 1}}{t_{S}}}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

According to formula (2), conduction time t_(on) can be obtained as shown in formula (3.1).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{on} = {\frac{2 \times I_{o} \times \left( {{n\; V_{o}} + V_{bus}} \right)}{n} \times \frac{\left( {V_{bus} + {n\; V_{o}} - V_{in}} \right) \times L_{1} \times L_{2}}{{V_{in}^{2} \times n\; V_{o} \times L_{2}} + {V_{bus}^{2} \times L_{1} \times \left( {V_{bus} + {n\; V_{o}} - V_{in}} \right)}}}} & (3.1) \end{matrix}$

By rearranging the computational formulas of I_(pk1), t_(on), t_(off1), t_(S) and t_(on) into formula (3) formula (4) can be obtained.

$\begin{matrix} {I_{1} = {V_{in} \times \frac{V_{o} \times l_{o} \times \left( {V_{bus} + {n\; V_{o}}} \right) \times L_{2}}{{V_{in}^{2} \times n\; V_{o} \times L_{2}} + {V_{bus}^{2} \times L_{1} \times \left( {V_{bus} + {n\; V_{o}} - V_{in}} \right)}}}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

As can be seen from formula (4), as DC voltage V_(bus) is relatively large, the next multinomial can be approximated as a constant. The peak value of input current I_(in) can thus vary approximately with the variation of sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in), in order to achieve power factor correction. It should be noted that the above derivations of various formulas may be suitable for the derived result when the excitation inductance current of transformer T₁ operates in BCM. Of course, transformer T₁ may operate in other modes, and other formulas and/or derivations may apply thereto.

As can be seen from the above calculation procedure, in an AC-DC power converter of particular embodiments, for two-stage power stage circuits, only one transistor and one control and driving circuit may be utilised for energy transmission. In addition, power factor correction and output of a substantially constant electrical signal to power a load can also be achieved. When particular embodiments operate in a second operation mode, because energy of both the first energy storage element (e.g., inductor L₁) and the second energy storage element (e.g., transformer T₁) can be released to the load, the voltage-withstanding or breakdown requirement for the third energy storage element (e.g., capacitor C₂) may be relatively low. In addition, particular embodiments utilise relatively simple but high accuracy control, with relatively small ripples and good overall stability, and thus are particularly suitable for the driving of LED type loads.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, shown is a schematic block diagram of a second example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, the first energy storage element of the AC-DC power converter is inductor L₂, the second energy storage element is transformer T₁ and the third energy storage element is capacitor C₄.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 4A in the first operation mode. When in the first operation mode, control and driving circuit 401 can control transistor Q to turn on, and diode D₁, inductor L₂, and transistor/switch Q can form the first conductive path (denoted by an encircled “1”). The sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in) can store energy in the inductor L₂ through the first conductive path, and then current I₁ of the inductor L₂ may rise (e.g., continually) in the first conductive path. Also during the first operation mode, primary side windings L_(p) of transformer T₁, diode D₄, and capacitor C₄ can form a second conductive path (denoted by an encircled “2”), and DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₄ can store energy in transformer T₁ through the second conductive path. Also, the second current flowing through primary side windings L_(p) may rise (e.g., continually) as part of the second conductive path.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 4A when in the second operation mode. In this mode, control and driving circuit 401 can control transistor Q to turn off, and inductor L₂, transformer T₁, capacitor C₄, and diode D₃ can form a third conductive path (denoted by an encircled “3”). As part of the third conductive path, inductor L₂ may release energy, and the first current flowing through inductor L₂ can decline (e.g., continually).

A portion of the energy of inductor L₂ may be transferred to the load through transformer T₁, and a remaining portion of the energy of inductor L₂ may be for charging capacitor C₄, and DC voltage V_(bus) can be generated across capacitor C₄. When the capacitance of capacitor C₄ is relatively large, DC voltage V_(bus) may be nearly constant. Also, secondary side windings L_(s) of transformer T₁, diode D₂, and capacitor C₃ form a fourth conductive path (denoted by an encircled “4”), and energy stored in transformer T₁ may be transferred to the load via the fourth conductive path.

As can be seen from the above, the first and third conductive paths of this example can form a boost-buck power stage circuit. The boost-buck power stage circuit can convert the sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in) into a substantially constant DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₄. The second and fourth conductive paths can form a flyback power stage circuit. The flyback power stage circuit can receive DC voltage V_(bus), and may generate a substantially constant output voltage V_(o) and a substantially constant output current I_(o) to drive the LED load. For example, diode D₃ can be used to provide a continuing current flow path for inductor L₂ for the third conductive path. Also, diode D₄ may be used to prevent the input voltage from having a discharge path to ground.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, shown is a schematic block diagram of a third example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, the first energy storage element of AC-DC power converter in present embodiment is inductor L₃, the second energy storage element is inductor L₄, and the third energy storage element is capacitor C₅.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 5A when in the first operation mode. In this mode, control and driving circuit 501 can control transistor Q to turn on. Also, diode D₁, inductor L₃, capacitor C₃, and switch Q can form a first conductive path (denoted by an encircled “1”). The sine half-wave DC input voltage can store energy in inductor L₃ through the first conductive path, and current I₁ of the inductor T₁ may rise (e.g., continually) as part of the first conductive path.

The sine half-wave DC input voltage may transfer energy to the load through the first conductive path. Also in the first operation mode, capacitor C₅, inductor L₄, capacitor C₃, and switch Q can form a second conductive path (denoted by an encircled “2”). For the second conductive path, capacitor C₅ may release energy, and inductor L₄ can store energy. The current of inductor L₄ can rise, and the energy of capacitor C₅ may be provided to the load via the second conductive path.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 5A when in the second operation mode. In this mode, control and driving circuit 501 can control transistor Q to be off. Inductor L₃, capacitor C₃, diode D₅, and capacitor C₅ can form a third conductive path (denoted by an encircled “3”), and current I₁ of inductor L₃ can decline (e.g., continually). Inductor L₃ may release energy via the third conductive path, and a portion of its energy can be provided to the load, while a remaining portion of the energy from inductor L₃ can be provided for charging capacitor C₅. Also, DC voltage V_(bus) may be generated across capacitor C₅. Also during the second operation mode, inductor L₄, capacitor C₃, and diode D₅ can form a fourth conductive path (denoted by an encircled “4”), and inductor L₄ may transfer energy to the load via the fourth conductive path.

Diode D₅ may be used as a continuing current flow path of inductor L₃ and L₄. In this particular example, the first and third conductive paths may form a boost-buck power stage circuit. The boost-buck power stage circuit can convert sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in) into a substantially constant DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₅. Also, the second and fourth conductive paths can form a buck power stage circuit. The buck power stage circuit can receive DC voltage V_(bus), and may generate a substantially constant output voltage V_(o) and a substantially constant output current I_(o) to drive the load (e.g., an LED load).

The following will describe power factor correction principles of the AC-DC power converter of particular embodiments, as well as the substantially constant outputs under different operation modes. According to operating principles of the buck power stage circuit, when current of inductor L₃ operates in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and inductor L₄ operates in BCM, output current I_(o) can be obtained by formula (5).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{o} = {{\frac{I_{{pk}\; 3}}{2} \times \frac{T_{on} + T_{{off}\; 3}}{T_{s}}} + {\frac{I_{{pk}\; 4}}{2} \times \frac{\left. T_{on}\rightarrow T_{{off}\; 4} \right.}{T_{s}}}}} & (5) \end{matrix}$

For example, I_(pk3) can denote a peak value of the current of inductor L₃, and I_(pk4) can denote a peak value of the current of inductor L₄. Also, t_(off3) can denote the time during which the current of inductor L₃ drops to zero from its peak value, and t_(off4) can denote the time during which the current of inductor L₃ drops to zero from its peak value. Further, t_(S) may denote a switching period (e.g., the sum of t_(on) and t_(off4)). For example, the peak value of the current of inductor L₃ can be obtained as below by formula (5.1).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{{pk}\; 3} = {\frac{V_{in} - V_{o}}{L_{3}} \times t_{on}}} & (5.1) \end{matrix}$

Here, V_(in) can denote the sine half-wave DC input voltage, V_(o) can denote the output voltage, L₃ can denote the inductance value of inductor L₃, and t_(on) can denote the conduction time of switch Q. The peak current of inductor L₄ can be obtained as below by formula (5.2).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{{pk}\; 4} = {\frac{V_{bus} - V_{o}}{L_{4}} \times t_{on}}} & (5.2) \end{matrix}$

Here, V_(bus) can denote DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₅, and L₄ can denote the inductance value of inductor L₄. In addition, time t_(off3) during which the current of inductor L₃ drops to zero from its peak value can be obtained as below by formula (5.3).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{{off}\; 3} = {\frac{V_{in} - V_{o}}{V_{bus} + V_{o} - V_{in}} \times t_{on}}} & (5.3) \end{matrix}$

Time t_(off4) during which current of inductor L₄ drops to zero from its peak value can be obtained by formula (5.4).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{{off}\; 4} = {\frac{V_{bus} - V_{o}}{V_{o}} \times t_{on}}} & (5.4) \end{matrix}$

A switching period t_(S) of transistor Q can be determined as below by formula (5.5).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{S} = {{t_{on} + t_{{off}\; 4}} = {\frac{V_{bus}}{V_{o}} \times t_{on}}}} & (5.5) \end{matrix}$

By rearranging formulas of I_(pk3), I_(pk4), t_(off3), t_(off4) and t_(S) into formula (5), output current I_(o) can be determined as below per formula (6).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{o} = {\frac{t_{on}}{2V_{bus}} \times \left\lbrack {\frac{\left( {V_{in} - V_{o}} \right)^{2} \times V_{o}}{\left( {V_{bus} + V_{o} - V_{in}} \right) \times L_{2}} + \frac{\left( {V_{bus} - V_{o}} \right)^{2}}{L_{4}}} \right\rbrack}} & (6) \end{matrix}$

As can be seen formula (6), in order to make output current I_(o) substantially constant, only conduction time t_(on) may be controlled to make the product of conduction time t_(on) and the following polynomial to be a constant value. Similarly, in this particular example, control and driving circuit 501 can adjust conduction time t_(on) to control output current I_(o) to be substantially constant by primary side control according to peak value I_(pk3) of the first current of inductor L₃, peak value I_(pk3) of the current of inductor L₄, time t_(off3) during which current of inductor L₃ drops to zero from its peak value, and time t_(off4) during which current of inductor L₄ drops to zero from its peak value.

According to the operating principles of a boost power stage circuit, input current I_(in) of the AC-DC power converter (the first current I₁ of the third inductor L₃) can be obtained by the following formula (7).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{1} = {\frac{I_{{pk}\; 3}}{2} \times \frac{t_{on} + t_{{off}\; 3}}{t_{S}}}} & (7) \end{matrix}$

For example, t_(on) can be obtained from the above formula (6), as shown below in formula (7.1).

$\begin{matrix} {t_{on} = {2 \times I_{o} \times V_{bus} \times \frac{\left( {V_{bus} + V_{o} - V_{in}} \right) \times L_{3} \times L_{4}}{\begin{matrix} {{\left( {V_{in} - V_{o}} \right)^{2} \times V_{o} \times L_{4}} +} \\ {\left( {V_{bus} - V_{o}} \right)^{2} \times L_{3} \times \left( {V_{bus} + V_{o} - V_{in}} \right)} \end{matrix}}}} & (7.1) \end{matrix}$

By rearranging the computational formulas of I_(pk3), t_(on), t_(off3) and t_(S) into formula (7), the input current can be determined as below per formula (8).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{in} = {V_{in} \times \frac{V_{o} \times I_{o}V_{bus} \times L_{4}}{{\left( {V_{in} - V_{o}} \right)^{2} \times V_{o} \times L_{4}} + {\left( {V_{bus} - V_{o}} \right)^{2} \times L_{3} \times \left( {V_{bus} + V_{o} - V_{in}} \right)}}}} & (8) \end{matrix}$

From formula (8), it is clear that as DC voltage V_(bus) is relatively large, the next multinomial can be approximated as a constant. Thus, the input current I_(in) can vary approximately along with variation of the sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in), so as to realize power factor correction. As can be seen from this example, only one transistor and one control and driving circuit may be utilised to satisfy the circuit driving requirements. Also, power factor correction and output of a substantially constant signal can be achieved. Moreover, the voltage-withstanding requirement of the third energy storage element (e.g., capacitor C₅) may be relatively small, further reducing overall costs.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, shows is a schematic block diagram of a fourth example AC-DC power converter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, the first energy storage element of the AC-DC power converter is transformer T₁, the second energy storage element is inductor L₅, and the third energy storage element is capacitor C₆.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, shown is a conducing path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 6A when in the first operation mode. In this mode, the control and driving circuit 601 can control transistor Q to turn on. Also, diode D₁, primary side windings L_(P) of transformer T₁, and transistor Q can form a first conductive path (denoted by an encircled “1”). In the first operation mode, sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in) can store energy in transformer T₁ via the first conductive path, and current I₁ of the primary side windings of transformer T₁ can rise (e.g., continually).

Also during the first operation mode, capacitor C₆, inductor L₅, capacitor C₃, diode D₆, and transistor Q can form a second conductive path (denoted by an encircled “2”). Via the second conductive path, capacitor C₆ can release energy, and inductor L₅ can store energy. Also, current I₂ of inductor L₅ can rise, and energy stored in capacitor C₆ may also be provided to the load.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, shown is a conductive path diagram for the AC-DC power converter of FIG. 6A when in the second operation mode. In this mode, control and driving circuit 601 can control transistor Q to turn off. The secondary side windings of transformer T₁, diode D₂, capacitor C₃, diode D₇, and capacitor C₆ may form a third conductive path (denoted by an encircled “3”). Via the third conductive path, transformer T₁ may release energy, and current I₁ of transformer T₁ can decline (e.g., continually). A portion of the energy transformer T₁ may be provided to the load, while a remaining portion of the energy from transformer T₁ may be for charging capacitor C₆ to generate DC voltage V_(bus).

Also in the second operation mode, in Dr. L₅, capacitor C₃, and diode D₇ may form a fourth conductive path (denoted by an encircled “4”). Inductor L₅ may transfer energy to the load via the fourth conductive path. Here, the first conductive and third conductive paths may form a flyback power stage circuit. The flyback power stage circuit can receive sine half-wave DC input voltage V_(in), and may generate a substantially constant DC voltage V_(bus) across capacitor C₆. Also, the second and fourth conductive paths may form a buck power stage circuit. The buck power stage circuit can receive V_(bus) across capacitor C₆, and may generate via the fourth conductive path, a substantially constant output voltage V_(o) and a substantially constant output current I_(o) to drive the load (e.g., an LED). In the example AC-DC power converter of FIG. 6A, the first and second conductive paths may share transistor Q and control and driving circuit 601.

In particular embodiments, an AC-DC power converter may satisfy circuit driving requirements with a transistor and a control and driving circuit, by using two-stage power stage circuits. Power factor correction can be achieved, and a substantially constant electrical signal (e.g., voltage, current) can be provided at the output. This approach can provide relatively high control accuracy, small ripples, and steady output signals. Also, the voltage-withstanding or breakdown requirement of the third energy storage element (e.g., capacitor C₆) may be relatively small, and thus the overall costs can be reduced.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other techniques or structures, as well as circuit layout, arrangement, components, etc., can be applied to the described embodiments. For example, the first stage power stage circuit of the may be used to realize a power factor correction function, while the second stage power stage circuit can be used to realize substantially constant control for the output electrical signal (e.g., voltage, current). In addition, the power stage circuitry can include any suitable topology (e.g., boost, buck, boost-buck, flyback, forward, etc.). As such, the conductive paths as described herein may vary, such as including additional or different components, based on the given power stage topology.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An AC-DC power converter, comprising: a) a rectifier bridge and filter configured to convert an external AC voltage to a sine half-wave DC input voltage; b) a first energy storage element configured to store energy from said sine half-wave DC input voltage via a first current through a first conductive path during a first operation mode, wherein said first current rises during said first operation mode; c) a second energy storage element configured to store energy from a second DC voltage via a second current through a second conductive path during said first operation mode, wherein said second current rises during said first operation mode; d) a transistor configured to share said first and second conductive paths; e) said first energy storage element being configured to release energy to a third energy storage element and a load through a third conductive path during a second operation mode, wherein said third energy storage element is configured to generate said second DC voltage, and wherein said first current declines during said second operation mode; and f) said second energy storage element being configured to release energy to said load through a fourth conductive path during said second operation mode, wherein a peak value of said first current is configured to vary along with said sine half-wave DC input voltage, and wherein an output of said AC-DC converter is configured to be substantially constant.
 2. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein: a) said first energy storage element comprises a first inductor; b) said second energy storage element comprises a second inductor; and c) said third energy storage element comprises a capacitor.
 3. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein: a) said transistor is on during said first operation mode; and b) said transistor is off during said second operation mode.
 4. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein a first power stage circuit comprises said first and third energy storage elements, and said first and third conductive paths.
 5. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein a second power stage circuit comprises said second energy storage element, and said second and fourth conductive paths.
 6. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, configured to provide a substantially constant output current to drive a light-emitting diode (LED) load.
 7. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein said first conductive path is formed during each switching cycle of said AC-DC power converter.
 8. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein said first and second operation modes occur during a switching cycle of said AC-DC power converter.
 9. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein said second energy storage element comprises a transformer.
 10. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, wherein said load is configured to receive energy from said sine half-wave DC input voltage through said first conductive path in said first operation mode.
 11. The AC-DC power converter of claim 10, wherein said load is configured to receive energy from said second DC voltage through said second conductive path.
 12. The AC-DC power converter of claim 1, further comprising a control and driving circuit configured to receive peak current signals of said first and second currents, and to generate a driving signal to drive said transistor.
 13. The AC-DC power converter of claim 12, wherein said control and driving circuit is configured to regulate an on time of said transistor in accordance with said peak current signals of said first and second currents and current decreasing time signals of said first and second currents from a peak current to zero.
 14. The AC-DC power converter of claim 12, wherein said first and second currents are operated at a boundary conduction mode (BCM).
 15. A method of controlling an AC-DC power converter, the method comprising: a) converting, by a rectifier bridge and filter, an external AC voltage to a sine half-wave DC input voltage; b) storing energy from said sine half-wave DC input voltage in a first energy storage element via a first current through a first conductive path during a first operation mode, wherein said first current rises during said first operation mode; c) storing energy from a second DC voltage in a second energy storage element via a second current through a second conductive path during said first operation mode, wherein said second current rises during said first operation mode, and wherein said first and second conductive paths share a transistor; d) releasing energy from said first energy storage element to a third energy storage element and a load through a third conductive path during a second operation mode, wherein said third energy storage element generates said second DC voltage, and wherein said first current declines during said second operation mode; and e) releasing energy from said second energy storage element to said load through a fourth conductive path during said second operation mode, wherein a peak value of said first current varies along with said sine half-wave DC input voltage, and maintaining an output of said AC-DC converter as substantially constant.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said second energy storage element comprises a transformer.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said first and second operation modes occur during a switching cycle of said AC-DC power converter.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: a) receiving energy from said sine half-wave DC input voltage in said load through said first conductive path during said first operation mode; and b) receiving energy from said second DC voltage in said load through said second conductive path.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: a) receiving, by a control and driving circuit, peak current signals of said first and second currents; and b) generating a driving signal to drive said transistor.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: a) turning on said transistor during said first operation mode; and b) turning off said transistor during said second operation mode.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein said AC-DC power converter comprises a first power stage circuit having said first and third energy storage elements, and said first and third conductive paths.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein said AC-DC power converter comprises a second power stage circuit having said second energy storage element, and said second and fourth conductive paths. 